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A Term Paper Presented to the Faculty of the

Department of Hospitality Management
Talisay City College
Talisay City, Cebu, Philippines

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management

“The Role of Heritage Sites in Promoting Cebu City as a Premier Tourist Destination: Fort
San Pedro Cebu”

Submitted by:

Submitted to:

June 2024

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 ABSTRACT

Cebu City, popularly known as the “Queen City of the South,” is a thriving metropolis in

the Republic of the Philippines that has a diverse cultural legacy and natural beauty. Historic

sites are one of the many attractions that draw visitors from all around the world. These

landmarks represent the region’s historical and cultural center, providing educational and cultural

value while also stimulating economic growth through tourism. Fort San Pedro is a significant

heritage landmark in Cebu City, serving as both a reminder of the city’s colonial past and an

important component of its tourism industry. Fort San Pedro’s significance extend beyond its

historical worth. As a significant heritage site, it promotes Cebu City as a top tourist destination.

Heritage tourism, which centers around visiting historical and cultural sites, is a fast expanding

sector of the worldwide tourism industry. Tourists are drawn to sites that offer true cultural

immersion and historical insights, and Fort San Pedro, with its well-maintained architecture,

provides exactly that. The fort acts as a tangible reminder of past events, inviting tourists to

connect with the historical narratives that have defined Cebu City.

To summarize, Fort San Pedro is not only a symbol of Cebu City’s rich historical legacy,

but also a key asset in its tourism portfolio. By capitalizing on the fort’s historical and cultural

value, Cebu City can promote itself as a top heritage tourism destination. The fort’s ability to

attract and engage travelers emphasizes the need of protecting and marketing heritage assets as

vital components of the tourism industry. As Cebu City grows and increases its tourism offers,

Fort San Pedro will surely remain a cultural icon and a lighthouse for travelers seeking a one-of-

a-kind and enriching experience.

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 INTRODUCTION

Cebu City, also known as the “Queen City of the South,” is a bustling metropolitan hub in

the Republic of the Philippines boasting an extensive mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Among its many attractions, historic sites play an important role in attracting visitors from

throughout the world. These places, which encapsulate the region’s historical and cultural core,

are not only educationally and culturally significant, but also have the potential to encourage

economic growth by conducting tourism. Fort San Pedro is one such notable heritage site,

serving as a reminder of Cebu City’s colonial past and an essential element of the tourism

economy. Fort San Pedro, which serves as the Philippines’ least and longest tri-bastion fort, was

built about 1565 under the oversight of Spanish invader Miguel López de Legazpi, Jr. Originally

built as a form of defense construction, it has witnessed millennia of past occurrences that have

influenced the region’s character. The fort’s advantageous spot along the coast gave a vantage

point for defending against pirate raids and foreign invaders, thus serving as an important bastion

throughout the Spanish period of colonialism. Nowadays Fort San Pedro is a well-preserved

vestige of Cebu’s colonial legacy, providing visitors with an insights into the city’s rich history.

Fort San Pedro’s significance extends transcend its historical worth. As an important

heritage landmark, it helps to promote Cebu City as a top tourist destination. Heritage tourism,

especially focuses on exploring historical and cultural monuments, is a rapidly growing

component of the worldwide tourism industry. Tourists are drawn to destinations that provide

true cultural immersion and historical insights, and the fortress of San Pedro, with its long

tradition and well-preserved architecture, gives exactly that. The fort provides a real link to past

events, encouraging visitors to immerse immersed that make up the historical stories the fact that

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have formed Cebu City in the past, Furthermore, the fort serves multiple purposes in terms of

tourism promotion. It is not just a popular tourist destination, but also an educational resource,

cultural hub, and location for a variety of events and activities. Educational journeys and

historical exhibits at the fort help tourists learn more about Cebu’s historical colonial past and

cultural heritage. Furthermore, Castle San Pedro frequently presents gatherings of culture, art

exhibits, and plays that highlight indigenous talent and traditions, which enhances the visiting

experience. These events not only attract tourists, but also include the local population, instilling

ownership and sense of pride in their rich cultural heritage.

To summarize, Fort San Pedro, which was is not just an embodiment of Cebu City’s rich

historical history, but also a valuable asset in its vacation portfolio. Cebu City can establish itself

as a top destination for the tourism of heritage by capitalizing on the fort’s historical and cultural

value. The fort’s ability that draw in and interact travelers emphasizes the need of protecting and

marketing heritage assets as integral parts of the tourism sector. As Cebu City grows and expands

its tourism offers, Fort San Pedro, located there, will surely remain a cultural landmark and a

lighthouse for visitors seeking a unique and enriching adventure.

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 LITERATURE REVIEW

The economic impact of Fort San Pedro on Cebu City’s tourism industry is significant.

Entrance fees, guided tours, and other tourism activities all contribute significantly to the money

generated by heritage sites like the Fort. This revenue, in turn, helps to maintain and preserve the

site, ensuring that it remains a desirable destination for future generations. Furthermore, the flood

of tourists stimulates the local economy by increasing demand for lodging, food, transportation,

and other ancillary services. Heritage tourism has a far-reaching impact that benefits the

community as a whole and promotes long-term economic success.

According to Dimen, Y.,(2023), Fort San Pedro is considered to be the oldest and smallest

fort in the Philippines, with an area of 2,025 square meters. Its walls are 20 feet tall and 8 feet

thick, forming an irregular triangle with two sides facing the sea and one facing the land, which

houses the fort’s modern entrance gate. The gate comprises two rectangular columns flanking a

hoisted Philippine flag, which acts as the structure’s apex. Three tunnel-shaped windows sit

above a gable, which houses a niche with a picture of the Sto. Nino is the city’s patron saint.

Below it is a shallower niche marked with a seal, which I was told was the Spanish.

According to Cruz, G., (2019), The Philippines’ colonial experiences have had a

significant impact on the preservation of its literary and constructed cultural legacy. Apparently,

colonial experiences have shaped how heritage is viewed and preserved. The colonial legacy has

established a precedent for destroying ancient customs, modes of life, structures, and edifices in

order to create a new set of world order, so fostering a culture of indifference and disrespect for

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cultural heritage protection. Apparently, the politics of memory and the search for a new identity

have influenced how heritage conservation is understood and viewed. From the period when the

Philippines was found by Europeans and the manner the nation was passed down from one

colonizer to the next, a modest concept of legacy conservation was created, furthermore,

Abocejo, F., (2015), The same is true for hotels and other tourist establishments. Nonetheless,

various difficulties threaten to halt Cebu’s tourism growth. Tourist sites throughout the country

and neighboring Asia are rapidly expanding and developing. The Cebu tourist industry must take

the lead by offering more competitive, high-quality products and services than its competitors in

the tourism market. Tourism industry participants must establish efficient and strong

collaborations among local government units (LGUs), business entrepreneurs, and local

communities in order to maintain Cebu as a leading tourist destination hub in the long term.

Comprehensively, the literature supports that by prioritizing sustaining and improving

attractions, destinations can unlock their economic potential, drive growth, and create lasting

benefits for both residents and visitors. The strategic management of tourist attractions as

valuable assets can lead to a thriving tourism economy, job creation, and sustainable

development in the long run.

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 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This section provides an overview of the approach and procedures used to achieve the

objectives of the study. It encompasses aspects such as research design, research locale and

research instrument of the study.

Research Design

The study utilized a quantitative approach to understand the perceptions and needs

regarding Cebu City as a Premier Tourist Destination: Fort San Pedro Cebu. By using

convenience sampling, data was gathered on the current state of the Fort San Pedro Cebu City,

including infrastructure, amenities, and environmental conditions.

Research Locale

This study was conducted through an online survey of individuals who had visited Fort

San Pedro Cebu. The goal was to understand these people’s perceptions and opinions of these

locations.

The research mainly focuses on evaluating the respondents’ satisfaction, identifying

opportunities for improvement, and assessing the overall impact of these sites on local tourism

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and community involvement. Moreover, we explored the respondent’s demographics and visit

frequency to fill in future development and marketing strategies for Fort San Pedro Cebu.

Research Respondents

The participants of this study are the residents and tourists who already visited and plan

to go in Fort San Pedro Cebu.

Research Instruments

An online survey questionnaire was employed to collect data from the people who had

visited Fort San Pedro Cebu. This comprehensive approach will provide insights to unlock the

economic potential of these landmarks through strategic development and management.

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 RESULTS

Part 1: Demographic Profile

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 Part II. Perception of Fort San Pedro Cebu

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 Part III. Environmental Conditions

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Part IV. Economic Development and Impact to the Community

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 DISCUSSION

Part 1

In terms of the demographic Profile of the respondents of this study the What is your

Relationship to Fort San Pedro Cebu? Got the results of 18 respondents are resident and 12 is

tourist or have been go in Fort San Pedro Cebu, while the how often do you visit San Pedro

Cebu? Got the overall result 6 for daily, 6 weekly, 8 monthly and 10 for Rarely/sometimes who

are going or visiting Fort San Pedro Cebu.

Part 2

In terms of Perception of Fort of San Pedro Cebu based on the survey for 30 respondents.

The Fort of San Pedro Cebu is clean and well maintained, got 86 % agree, 13 % neutral and 1 %

disagree. In The Amenities of the Fort San Pedro Cebu is accessible to tourists like the

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restrooms, seating area, the result is 73.7 % agree, 16.2 % neutral you 10.1 % disagree. The Fort

San Pedro Cebu is aesthetically pleasing that you can say it is well preserved. Got 51.9%

agree,34.9 % neutral a13.2% of the respondents disagree. The Fort San Pedro Cebu has

enough safety measures in the place (signage, lifeguards, etc.). The results got 89% of agree,

7% neutral and 4% disagree. The Fort San Pedro is safe and has a potential to be a famous

local tourist spot. The results got 90.1% agree, 7.9 % neutral and 2% disagree.

Research has consistently highlighted the importance of cleanliness, aesthetic appeal,

safety, and accessible amenities in influencing tourist satisfaction. According to a study by Chen

and Tsai (2018), the quality of the physical environment, including cleanliness and safety,

significantly impacts tourist satisfaction and loyalty. There is generally positive feedback

regarding cleanliness, aesthetic appeal, safety measures, and amenities, there are also areas

identified for improvement. Addressing these concerns can enhance the overall visitor experience

and ensure that Fort San Pedro Cebu remains a preferred destination for tourists.

Part 3

In terms of Environment conflicts based on our survey for 30 respondents. The residents

and tourists practice proper waste management like the non- biodegradable and degradable bins

are in area. Got 3 % of disagree, 10% are neutral and 87 % who agree. The park and beach are

both free from pollution and litter got 8% dis agree, 6 % are neutral and 86% only who agree.

The park and beach have sufficient measures in place to safeguard environment got 10%

disagree, 16% neutral and agree got 74 % in the results.

Effective environmental management practices are critical for sustainable tourism and

community health. According to a study by Eagles et al. (2019), successful management of

protected areas, including historical areas like the Fort San Pedro Cebu, requires comprehensive

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planning and community involvement. The survey indicates insignificant environment conflict of

San Pedro Cebu, with proper waste management practices, pollution, and inadequate

environmental safeguards being primary concerns.

Part 4

In terms of Economic Development and Impact to the Community based on our survey

for 30 respondents. Preserving and enhancing Fort San Pedro Cebu has the potential and

Heritage enthusiasts, got the results 86% agree, 9% are neutral and 5% for disagree. I believe

that Fort San Pedro significantly contributes to the local economy got 74 % agree,20% neutral

and 6% for disagree. It is important to preserve Fort San Pedro for future generations got the

result 95% for agree and 4 % for neutral and 1% for disagree. The Fort San Pedro Cebu provide

meaningful support for local economic growth got the results 67% Agree, 20 Neutral and 13

Disagree.

The survey results strongly indicate that there is broad community support for enhancing

Fort San Pedro Cebu as strategies for economic development. Economic development through

tourism is well-documented in the literature. For instance, a study by Ashley et al. (2019)

demonstrates that tourism can be a powerful tool for economic development, particularly in

terms of creating jobs and generating income for local communities.

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 CONCLUSION

Through implementing these steps, Fort San Pedro Cebu can unlock the economic

potential of its historical and cultural landmarks, driving tourism, creating jobs, and fostering a

vibrant economic ecosystem. The economic development potential of Fort San Pedro Cebu is

significant if sustained improvement and enhancement are prioritized. By focusing on

preservation and enhancement of the Fort San Pedro Cebu as a historical and cultural landmark,

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and investing in sustainable development of the fort San Pedro Cebu as a premier coastal

destination, the region can benefit economically.

Infrastructure Development

The Fort San Pedro Cebu infrastructure will be enhanced, including the vicinity, lighting,

ventilation, and retail areas and also the amenities will be improved, such as food stalls,

restrooms, and parking facilities.

Guided Tours and Events

Guided tours and events at the Fort San Pedro Cebu will highlight its historical

significance and cultural heritage. Festivals and activities at the beach will promote local culture

and entertainment.

Stakeholder Engagement

Local communities, Tourist, and government agencies will be engaged in the

development and management of the said Fort. A sense of ownership will be fostered and

responsible tourism practices will be promoted.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The impact of these initiatives on tourism, local businesses, and the community will be

regularly monitored and evaluated. Strategies will be adjusted based on feedback and data

analysis to ensure long-term sustainability

References

Dimen, Y., (2023), Cebu: Inside Fort San Pedro, The Oldest Fort in the Philippines

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thepoortraveler.net/2012/07/fort-san-pedro-cebu-city/amp/

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 Cruz, G., (2019), A Review of How Philippine Colonial Experience Influenced the

Country’s Approaches to Conservation of Cultural Heritage, Padayon Sining: A Celebration of

the Enduring Value of the Humanities 13, 1-20, 2019,

Pearce, D., & Butler, R. (2019). Sustainable Tourism Development and Economic

Growth: The Role of Well-Maintained and Enhanced Tourist Attractions. Journal of Tourism

Economics, 25(3), 345-362

Ching-Fu Chen, et al (2019). How destination image and evaluative factors affect

behavioral intentions? 1115-1122

Paul F. J. Eagles, Stephen F. McCool, and Christopher D. Haynes (2022). Sustainable

Tourism in Protected Areas Guidelines for Planning and Management.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

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 Part I. Demographic Information

Instructions: Please check ( / ) your answer in the box .

Part I. Demographic RESIDENT TOURIST

Information

What is your

relationship to Fort

San Pedro Cebu?

DAILY WEEKLY MONTHLY RARELY/SOMETIMES

How often do you

visit Fort San Pedro

Cebu?

APPENDIX B

Part II. Perception of Fort San Pedro Cebu

Instructions: Please check ( / ) your answer in the box.

Part II. Perception of Fort San Pedro Cebu AGREE DISAGREE NEUTRAL

The fort San Pedro is clean and well maintained

The Amenities of the Fort San Pedro Cebu is

accessible to tourists like the restrooms, seating area.

The historical and cultural importance of the said

location is well preserved.

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 The infrastructure is in good condition (pathways,

signage)

The Fort San Pedro is safe and has a potential to be a

famous local tourist spot.

APPENDIX C

Part III. Environmental Conditions

Instructions: Please check ( / ) your answer in the box.

Part III. Environmental Conditions AGREE DISAGREE NEUTRAL

The residents and tourists practice proper waste

management like the non- biodegradable and

degradable bins are in area.

The Fort San Pedro Cebu is both free from pollution

and litter from environment and residents pollution.

The Fort San Pedro Cebu have sufficient measures in

place to safeguard environment.

The Fort San Pedro Cebu has a friendly environment

signage in every area

Each infrastructure has a well ventilated and proper

lighting

APPENDIX D

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 Part IV. Economic Development and Impact to the Community

Instructions: Please check ( / ) your answer in the box.

Part IV. Economic Development and Impact to the AGREE DISAGREE NEUTRAL

Community

Preserving and enhancing Fort San Pedro Cebu has

the potential and Heritage enthusiasts.

I believe that Fort San Pedro significantly contributes

to the local economy

It is important to preserve Fort San Pedro for future

generations.

The Fort San Pedro Cebu provide meaningful support

for local economic growth.

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